More Information About Vaccines

Many federal agencies play a role in the vaccine system. Visit these websites to get in-depth information about vaccine topics.

Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) saves lives and protects America against 21st century health threats. Within ASPR, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) partners with the private sector to research and develop medical countermeasures — such as vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and devices — and purchase medical products for use in emergencies.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a science-based regulatory agency that’s responsible for protecting and enhancing public health by ensuring the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. FDA ensures that vaccines undergo a rigorous and extensive development program to evaluate safety, purity, and potency. Only if a vaccine’s benefits are found to outweigh its potential risks does the FDA license (approve) a vaccine, allowing it to be used by the public. To ensure continuing safety and effectiveness after approval, FDA oversees the production of vaccines and monitors vaccine safety.

healthfinder.gov

healthfinder.gov has tools and resources to help people access preventive services and develop healthy habits. healthfinder’s vaccine topics provide information about vaccine-preventable diseases, and how and when to get vaccines.

National Institutes of Health

National Vaccine Program Office

The National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO) makes sure that all federal agencies that produce and regulate vaccines are working together. NVPO also leads the National Vaccine Plan — which sets goals for preventing diseases through vaccination.